“The Keeper of Okinawa’s Soul of Martial Arts” (Please share with a friend)

Kanken Toyama 1888 – 1966

“The Keeper of Okinawa’s Soul of Martial Arts”

Kanken Toyama, martial arts grandmaster was born in Shuri, Okinawa, to a noble family, and given the name of Oyadameri Kanken. His profession was a Japanese teacher, and his chosen field was the instruction of karate-do. He was one of only two students to be granted the title of Shihanshi (protégé). Funakoshi Gichen was the other to receive this title from Itosu Anko. Later Toyama was given the title of master instructor, and developed the foundation for the Shūdōkan karate style.

He trained under Itosu Anko, and Itarashiki primarily, also under Ankichi Aragaki (a master of Monk Fist and White Crane Kung Fu), Azato Anko, Choshin Chibana, Oshiro, Tana, Yabu Kentsu and Kanryo Higashionna. Master Toyama was one of only three men to have the privilege of studying directly under Master Itosu and Master Higashionna, two of Karate’s most important figureheads of that era.

At age nine, he began karate (Shuri-te) training under Ankō Itosu, remaining a student until Itosu died in 1915. He studied Naha-te under Kanryō Higaonna and Tomari-te under Ankichi Aragaki.

Given this diverse martial arts background, the Japanese government recognized Toyama's prowess, and awarded him the right to promote to any rank in any style of Okinawan karate, with the title of master instructor.

In early 1930 he returned to Japan and on March 20, 1930, he opened his first dojo in Tokyo. He named his dojo Shu Do Kan meaning "the hall for the study of the karate way". Toyama taught what he had learnt from Itosu and the Ch'uan Fa and did not claim to have originated a new style of karate.

In 1946, Toyama, now a Dai Shihan, founded the All Japan Karate-Do Federation (AJKF) with the intention of unifying the various forms of karate of Japan and Okinawa under one governing organization for the exchange of ideas and technique. The Federation became an authority for rank homologation and advancement issuing rank certification, and also created a forum for competition. The competition group later pioneered full contact sparring using modified kendo protective equipment. Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose, founder of Chito Ryu Karate Do served in several senior positions in the Federation including President.

Toyama authored two books: Karate-do Taihokan and Karate–do. Toyama’s specialities in Karate-do were the strong gripping methods of Itosu and Itarashiki, and similar Chinese methods of finger and hand strengthening. Toyama sensei was also known to have studied and taught Tai Chi. After the war Toyama became good friends with Yoshida Kotaro and spent time teaching a young Richard Kim in the Yokohama section where Kim owned a bar with his wife.

In 1949 Toyama was awarded the special title of honor, Meijin, by the Governor of Okinawa.

Shudokan karate-do is a composite system which also includes Kobutjutsu (Ancient Arts) referring to the Special weapons practice of Okinawa, and many styles of Okinawan Karate-do.

There are also katas unique to Shudokan karate-do emphasizing circular motions and multiple power sources.